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Thoughts on aging gracefully while still making significant contributions to society.

It ain't over 'til it's over!

At least three more of our fellow-classmates have died in the first half of 2011. I say ‘at least’ because we’re only sure of three. For those of us that remain and about to start turning 70, it may be a good time to face some of the challenges/advantages of our ‘senior’ years.

As an intro to the subject, I want to quote some things found in a book called “The Disciplines of Life” written in 1948 by the then President of Wheaton College, V. Raymond Edman.

”And it came to pass, when Samuel was old. .
.”(I Sam. 8:1)

There are disciplines of childhood:
diligence to obey parents and decision to accept the gospel invitation; of adolescence: dependability, delight, determination, and discipleship; of mature years: duty, darkness, delay, diversion, distinction; there is also that of old age.

It is different from earlier disciplines;nevertheless, just as real, with results for good or ill that can help or hinder the rising generation. Samuel,
the last of the judges of Israel, affords an excellent illustration of this discipline of declining days.

At Southeast we were taught certain ‘disciplines’ including the virtues of the Roundtable. Our Principle & Vice Principle were men of disciplines.So we know not to be afraid of that word.

Declining years bring decrease of activities and responsibilities. The Tireless
Thirties and Roaring Forties have given way to the Sensible Sixties and the
Slackening Seventies. To grow old gracefully and graciously is a triumph; not to do so is a tragedy. There are those who will never admit to themselves or to
others that they have passed the period of their effectiveness and service; and
with hard hand and harsh voice they insist upon their place and position, which long since they have ceased to fill…

The discipline of declining days that comes when days wane and strength
subsides, when doors close and comforters depart, when others bear the heat and the burden of the day; then to grow old graciously and sweetly; to grant
responsibilities to stronger, though less experienced, hands of our sons or
those of others; to adapt oneself to the demands of a new day; and above all, to
pray for others and to serve the Lord in whatever hidden ministry may be ours.
Thus disciplined in spirit we are sweetness and strength to those who need us
most.

Prayer and its effects are a major topic these days, not only in religious circles but also among medical professionals.

I confess that I didn’t pray that often when I was at Southeast High and I rather doubt that many of my class mates did either. Unless of course we got into serious difficulty, than we may have asked for help.

As I write this, two of our classmates have asked for our prayers. Harold Begley’s wife Goldie, has had serious heart surgery w/ ongoing complications. Harold was my neighbor and good friend during my years at SEHS. Dean Sparks, also a good friend, is recovering from surgery and he and his wife Christine, are depending on the prayers of our classmates.

Harold Begley- Nevada

Ironic, it was Dean that first told me of the formation of a prayer group at the time of our 50th Reunion. I was waiting on him to write something about the group (prayer circle) so we could put it here on our blog. We will have to wait until he recovers to give us the details.

If you would like for your classmates to remember you and your family in their prayers, just let some of us know and we’ll pass it on to these praying friends or attach it somewhere on the net if you want us to.

May God bless us all in 2011 and don’t forget the National Day of Prayer.